How to make a tailgate straight?

The gate on my new trailer is in good cosmetic shape, but is twisted to where one side is touching the bed while the other side is 2-3" away. All it takes is a nudge to make each side align and latch, but I would like to make it a little more true.

Should I just lay the gate down on a flat surface and start pounding, or jumping ?

 

I would say on a NOT flat surface. You're gonna have to push it further than true in order to counteract the bend away from true. Basically, you want the average of the two bends to make it end up true.

$0.02 canadian.

 

I say place a block of wood in between the side that's the closest
then gently push a litle at a time on the side farthest away
a little tweakin at a time should do it

 

I have a pickup tailgate that was straightened out by pressing a pipe into the top tube. The pipe was left in for added strength.

 

I agree I use blocks a wood a lot ot straight stuff (like doors, gates, etc)

 

Good Idea. Speedy's tailgate is somewhat tweeked. I'll try this

 

I've straightened them by putting the tailgate betwee two pieces of plywood and driving my truck onto it and letting it set giving it a tug ever so often. But worked best for me is when I have access to a hydraulic press put in it and push or pull as needed.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I may go with a combo of wood block bending followed by pipe in the top tube.